Bluefaced Leicester Sheep

Bluefaced Leicester

The Bluefaced Leicester is a longwool breed of sheep which originate from Northumberland and were made known at the beginning of the 20th century. In the 1970s, the Bluefaced Leicester was exported to Canada. Descendents of Robert Bakewell’s improved Dishley Leicester, the Bluefaced Leicester evolved near Hexham in Northumberland, England, in the late 1800s to early 1900s.

Classified as a Longwool breed, it is one of three Leicester sheep breeds: the English Leicester Longwool, the Border Leicester, and the Bluefaced Leicester.Falkland -This magical spinning fiber is from the Falkland Islands in the southern Atlantic Ocean. The wool is extremely white and will dye very well! The fiber strength is generally high yet the wool is soft to handle. Falkland wool is very white naturally. There are no known sheep diseases on the islands that require dipping-so they are not dipped in any chemical bath. Approx 5 inch staple, this wool is amazing. They are ready to spin on a wheel or drop spindle. . Mohair (English pronunciation: “mow-hair” ) usually refers to a silk-like fabric or yarn made from the hair of the Angora goat.

The word “mohair” was adopted into English before 1570 from the Arabic: mukhayyar, a type of haircloth, literally ‘choice’, from khayyara, ‘he chose’enhancing it’s whiteness. Mohair fiber is approximately 25-45 microns in diameter. It is one of the oldest textile fibers in use. It is both durable and resilient. It is notable for its high luster and sheen, and is often used in fiber blends to add these qualities to a textile. Mohair also takes dye exceptionally well. . It is durable, and resistant to moisture-wicking, stretch, flame and creases. It is considered to be a luxury fiber, like cashmere, angora and silk, and is usually more expensive than most wool that comes from sheep.